It's frustrating to know we have this incredible opportunity for kids [that] we're already beginning to see produces outstanding results. If it is lost or diminished -- because of bureaucratic barriers, mismanagement and finger pointing at whose responsibility -- it ultimately would be tragic.

While these southern counties do have some small cities, a lot of the poverty that infects child well-being is found in the rural parts of the state _ a fact that state and local policy-makers must consider when deciding how to improve conditions for all New Jersey children.

On average, our students score higher on national achievement tests, they are more likely to attend high quality preschool, mothers and infants are by some measures healthier than children in other parts of the country, and our adolescents are less likely to drop out of school or be without a job or schooling in their teen and young adult years.

The point of adoption is to create a new family with all the rights and responsibilities that go with that. Our law recognizes the importance of the family in making decisions, especially for younger children. To go above a parent's decision is unusual and has to be considered very carefully.